Chapter 117

"Hey, what are you painting?" Suddenly, the shopkeeper's sharp and dissatisfied voice rang out. Eliza was startled by the sudden noise, momentarily forgetting she was on a ladder, her feet instinctively moving to step back. A hand reached out to steady her foot. She broke out in a cold sweat, letting out a soft scream, gripping the ladder tightly. Looking down, she saw it was Xander supporting her foot with his right hand. "And who the hell are you? Who let you in?" The shopkeeper glared at Xander irritably, wondering why this stern-faced man had come in. Was he here to steal? Oh no, had he taken the newly arrived merchandise? With just a few words, the astute shopkeeper went through several possibilities, hurrying to the back of the store to check on her goods. Upon returning, the two by the wall were still staring at each other in silence, with no explanation offered. "Hey, Eliza, would you mind answering? It's never a good thing to be deaf. Can't you hear me when I speak this loud?"